1939 R303-A Goudey Premiums Ted Williams Rookie SGC EX/NM 6

Sold For:

$25,800

Year:

1939

Auction:

2021 Fall

Lot #:

502

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1930s and 1940s Cards

Graded EX/NM 6 by SGC. Exceptional high-grade Goudey Premium dating from Ted Williams' first full season with the Red Sox, in 1939. This is an extremely significant card as it is, with good reason, recognized as one of Williams' true rookie cards. This is also the key card from the R303-A Goudey Premiums series. The set has always been the rarest of the three R303 sets. Because these premium cards are printed on thin stock, they are very susceptible to minor faults, especially creases. This is a rare high-grade R303-A example that happens to be the key card in the set. Bright and crisp with a flawless surface, no creases, light corner wear, and an outstanding image. The card features playing tips on the reverse. Considering how substantial they are, R303-A premiums have received very little attention from collectors, in part due to the fact that they are larger than standard cards and therefore have only recently begun to be encapsulated by grading services. A case could be made that they represent one of the best values among all 1930s issues. This is an extremely important and overlooked card, one of Ted Williams' true rookie cards and one that would be a significant highlight in a Ted Williams or Hall of Fame card collection. Reserve $1,000.